Big Eden

2000 Drama

Arye Gross plays an up-and-coming artist who foregoes the convenience of big-city life for the charms of Montana in this drama, writer-director Thomas Bezucha's debut feature. On the eve of his first show at the Whitney Museum, Henry (Gross) hears news that his grandfather back home has had a stroke. Upon returning to his idyllic birthplace, however, Henry realizes that the old man isn't the only thing he has to tend to: There's the semi-closeted issue of his sexuality, which he longs to reveal to his clan -- as well as to his old high-school crush, Dean (Tim DeKay). Amidst all the angst, Henry fails to notice the advances of the sensitive Pike (Eric Schweig), an espresso-brewing outdoorsman who owns the town's general store and cooks meals for the stroke-addled grandpa Sam (George Coe).

Director: Thomas Pezucha

Starring: Ayre Gross, Eric Schweig, Tim DeKay, Louise Fletcher, George Coe

Reviews

  • The key to success: The audience must really like both characters and believe that they deserve a fairy-tale ending. That's definitely the case in this nicely acted love story.

    Rita Kempley - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • It's a refreshing alternative to hipper-than-thou moviemaking.

    - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • But it's more than a crowd-pleaser shot at spectacular Rocky mountain locations -- it's almost revolutionary.

    Jonathan Foreman - New York Post

    29 November 2012

  • It's unlikely that the whole cowboy town would really applaud all the queer goings-on, but it's a lovely sentiment in a lovely movie.

    - The San Francisco Chronicle

    29 November 2012

  • An accomplished heart-tugger, a serious romantic comedy that tackles two dilemmas with honesty and compassion.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Thomas Bezucha

    Cleveland International Film Festival (2001)

  • Best Narrative Feature

    Florida Film Festival (2001)

  • Outstanding Film - Limited Release

    GLAAD Media Awards (2002)

     
  • Outstanding Narrative Feature

    L.A. Outfest (2000)

  • Best Fiction Feature

    Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (2001)